Liberal MP Ruby Dhalla is reportedly attempting to block the distribution of a Bollywood-style movie in which she had a starring role, according to the film's producer.
Shot in 2003 -- a year before Dhalla became an elected member of Parliament -- the movie is a Hindi-language story called "Kyon, Kis Liye," which is translated as "Who and For What?"
But the Toronto-area MP has reportedly said that images of her used for promoting the film were doctored -- something the film creators deny.
Producer Charanjit Sihra said that none of the images have been changed and that Dhalla, who was a prominent Liberal at the time, should be proud of her work in the film, which was shot in Hamilton.
"She came to Hamilton and she always wanted to be a Bollywood star," Sihra said. "I gave her a chance in the film."
Sihra added that he secured some funding from Heritage Canada for the film, mainly for promotional purposes and to stage a premier of the movie in Hamilton.
However, the grant application has raised questions about how the funds were eventually secured.
According to documents obtained by CTV News, Heritage Canada wrote at the time of the application that the film did "not meet any of the terms and conditions of existing departmental programs."
Despite this, a $13,000 grant was approved by then-Heritage Minister Sheila Copps - also a prominent Hamilton Liberal.
Dhalla, who is currently travelling in India, contacted CTV News on Saturday and said that she had no prior knowledge of the movie's funding from Ottawa. She added that any federal funding for the movie was in no way connected to her.
Copps was unable to comment on the issue.
Men's magazine Maxim recently listed Dhalla, a runner-up in the Miss India Canada pageant in 1993, as the world's third "hottest" politician.
With files from CTV's Graham Richardson
